Party on, SANDAG

These facts together suggest that major reductions in “defense” spending are in order. We might also recall, as pointed out by Andrew Bacevich, that although we call it the Department of Defense, it doesn’t actually do defense. Its purpose is to project American military power around the world. I don’t think we can afford this any more. – Thomas Alden, Borrego Springs

Who needs fatigues?

If you don’t think some women are big enough, strong enough, tough enough, mean enough or ready for combat, may I suggest your shopping at Walmart the first of the month! – James D. Lemon, San Diego

Looking both ways at red-light cameras

Mayor Filner announced Friday that he will discontinue the red-light camera program in San Diego (“S.D. red-light cameras about to be turned off,” Local reports, Feb. 1). At the news conference to make the announcement, the mayor surrounded himself with police to emphasize his message of ensuring safety for San Diegans.

The dialogue surrounding red-light cameras too often fails to consider a major benefit of these cameras: safety. In San Diego, 22 percent of all traffic deaths are pedestrians, nearly double the national average of 13 percent. Our city needs traffic safety measures in our communities to make walking a safe choice for all. Red-light cameras are one tool in the toolbox to achieve these benefits, just as clearly-marked crosswalks, bike lanes and pedestrian walk signals.

Red-light cameras work to prevent injury and save lives of motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists and all other road users, and they are effective in changing the behavior of drivers. A 2011 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found red-light cameras reduced fatal red-light-running crashes by 62 percent in San Diego.

With the elimination of red-light cameras in our city, we are losing an effective tool to promote safety. We recognize this is only one measure of many. However, it does provide an opportunity for the mayor to put together a plan that will ensure safety for everyone on San Diego’s streets – just as he stated in his campaign. We look forward to working with the mayor to create this plan. – Kathleen Ferrier, Policy Manager, Walk San Diego

As a Realtor who logs 20,000-plus miles countywide each year, over the years I have seen several rear-end collisions at intersections with these cameras, especially in the left-hand turn lanes.

Mayor Bob Filner has done a great service to us San Diegans and has made good on his campaign promise. Kudos to Mayor Filner for ridding our streets of this revenue-enhancement menace. – Edward Mracek, La Jolla

A rough start for Filner

In response to “Filner finally opens up to media on topics” (Local, Jan. 31): What is Mayor Filner thinking? I thought when a new mayor takes office there will always be changes and new personnel, and San Diego council members and all city workers would welcome him with open arms! But in this case Mr. Filner seemed to have made everyone mad. His arrogant attitude not talking with the media or board of directors, and even City Council members, has hade us all uneasy with his practice to do closed-door meetings. Me, personally – I don’t want to give more drugs to people that have a sprained eyebrow! – Paul Caronna, Point Loma